Fish grinder and refrigerator

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Solution Overview

Problem

Fishers face challenges in disposing of waste fish carcasses due to legal restrictions and logistical difficulties at docks, where conditions are unfavorable for processing and lack of reliable power and indoor space, making it inefficient to transport carcasses to processing facilities for chum production and storage.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising a conveyor apparatus, grinding apparatus, tank, refrigerating apparatus, and power source, including solar panels, to receive, process, and store fish carcasses into chum within a transportable container, enabling on-site processing and storage at docks with payment integration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If fish carcasses are transported to processing facilities for chum production, then processing can be performed, but transportation time and expense increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing capabilityVSAvoidtransportation time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The grinding apparatus and chum production capability are extracted from centralized processing facilities and placed directly at the dock location. This allows fish carcasses to be processed on-site immediately after arrival, eliminating the need to transport them to distant processing facilities and significantly reducing transportation time and costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary processing of fish carcasses into chum at the dock before transport. By grinding the carcasses on-site and storing the processed chum in refrigerated containers, the system prepares the material in advance, eliminating the need for subsequent processing trips and reducing overall transportation requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If a processing system is installed at the dock, then transportation costs are reduced, but the system requires reliable power sources and indoor space which are lacking at docks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveon-site processing efficiencyVSAvoidpower and space requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The container serves multiple functions: it provides structural housing for the processing system, acts as a refrigerated storage unit for chum, and can be transported to different locations. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated structures and equipment, simplifying the overall system despite its capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The refrigerating apparatus operates autonomously using a power source that can function in remote dock locations. The system is designed to be self-contained within the container, requiring minimal external infrastructure beyond basic power access, thereby adapting to the limited infrastructure typically found at docks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If fish carcasses are stored without refrigeration, then storage is simpler, but spoilage occurs rapidly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage simplicityVSAvoidspoilage prevention

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The refrigerating apparatus is integrated directly into the storage container, combining cooling functionality with storage space. This integration ensures that chum is continuously refrigerated during storage without requiring separate cooling systems or frequent manual intervention, maintaining both simplicity and reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The refrigerating apparatus operates continuously to maintain cold temperatures in the storage container. This continuous cooling action prevents spoilage by consistently inhibiting bacterial growth and degradation processes, ensuring reliable preservation of chum throughout the storage period without interruption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This system allows for efficient on-site processing and storage of fish carcasses into chum at docks, reducing transportation costs and ensuring refrigeration to prevent spoilage, while accommodating remote and outdoor conditions with solar-powered operation.

Implementation Method 1

a refrigerating apparatus configured to refrigerate the chum in the tank

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRefrigeration: Cooling

Implementation Method 2

the power source comprises at least one solar panel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotovoltaic effect: Photovoltaic Effect

Data Source

PatentUS20230026243A1Fish grinder and refrigerator

Publication Date: 2023.01.26 SCRUGGS ALAN KEITH

AI summary

Systems and methods are disclosed for receiving, processing, and storing fish carcasses. A system comprises a conveyor apparatus, a grinding apparatus, a tank, a container, a refrigerating apparatus, and a power source. The power source may comprise at least one solar panel. The system may comprise a payment apparatus. The tank may be removable from the container. The system may be configured to loaded onto a truck. The system may indicate to a user that the tank is nearly full.